Diwali added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List; India celebrates global recognition

PTC Web Desk: Deepavali (Diwali), the festival of lights celebrated across India and by millions worldwide, has officially been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement came on Wednesday, marking the festival’s global recognition as a cultural treasure.

UNESCO shared the update on social media, calling Deepavali a “new inscription” on the heritage list and congratulating India on this achievement. The inclusion comes during India’s hosting of the ongoing session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is among India’s most beloved festivals, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The decision to inscribe it on the cultural heritage list was reportedly taken during a key meeting held at Delhi’s historic Red Fort, where the 20th session of the ICH panel is underway from December 8 to 13.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat welcomed the recognition and said Deepavali holds deep emotional value for Indians. He added that the UNESCO tag also brings a sense of responsibility, stressing the importance of preserving the festival’s traditions as “living heritage” for future generations.

India will continue to play a prominent role in heritage conservation, as the 2025 ICH session will be chaired by Vishal V Sharma, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

Along with Deepavali, cultural practices from several other countries were also added to UNESCO’s Representative List this year. These include:

Iceland – Swimming pool culture

Haiti – The Compas music tradition

Ghana – Highlife music and dance

Georgia – Wheat culture

Ethiopia – Gifaataa, the Wolaita people’s New Year celebration

El Salvador – Confraternity of flowers and palms

Egypt – Koshary, the everyday national dish

Czechia – Amateur theatre tradition

Cyprus – Commandaria wine

Cuba – Practice of Cuban Son

Yemen – Hadrami Dan gathering

With this recognition, Diwali now stands among global cultural expressions celebrated for their historical, artistic and social significance.